Alabama defensive back Dee Milliner (28) works against Georgia during the second half of the SEC championship. / Dave Martin / Associated Press

Detroit Free Press Staff

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Forget the Tigers. At 4-9, the hot stove league is starting for the Lions, too, which means mock drafts.

ESPN.com junior draft guru Todd McShay’s first effort has them taking Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, above, with the seventh pick (where they would be drafting as it stands now).

McShay writes “… corner is the Lions’ biggest need, and Milliner has the potential to be an immediate starter.

“He’s not an elite cover corner but good enough to hold up in man coverage, and he is very good in zone. Milliner is also strong in run support, and simply a good all-around player.”

Does McShay know it’s not the Lions’ policy to draft something they need?

McShay, by the way, has all linemen — five defensive — going in the first six picks.

And then there's Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan, who McShay has going to the San Diego Chargers with the No. 9 overall pick.

"The Chargers must protect QB Philip Rivers better," McShay writes. "They hope the healthy return of LT Jared Gaither will fill one spot, but they would still need a right tackle in that scenario and Lewan would fit the bill. He has the length to be effective in pass protection, and he's a tenacious run-blocker who gets under the skin of defenders."

The other local player to watch is Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher. McShay has him going No. 16 to the St. Louis Rams, saying "Fisher has the length, light feet and balance to be effective against edge rushers."